Tag Archives: photojournalism

Photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie has just returned from covering the war in Syria.

He recently spoke with CNN detailing his risky journey both getting into and out of the country documenting the Free Syrian Army and the Syrian refugees struggle to cross over to Turkey. Read more about Jonathan’s experience and see his powerful photos on CNN.

Today marks the 70th Birthday of one of America’s icons, Muhammad Ali. Thomas Hoepker photographed Ali throughout his career both in and out of the ring capturing some of the most iconic photographs of the champ. Many of these photographs can now be found, some published for the first time, in a beautiful new book, “Champ”, Muhammad Ali, photographed by Thomas Hoepker. Anastasia Photo will be hosting a book signing with Thomas Hoepker on Tuesday, March 27.

A stunning limited edition portfolio box set has also been created that includes 12 collector’s prints, 20×24″, silver-halide / Baryt prints from the Magnum darkroom in New York. Limited edition of 10 portfolios. Each print is signed and numbered by the photographer.

Excerpt from the foreword of “Champ” by Thomas Hoepker:

So, we tried to stay close and kept a low profile. We realized that doing interviews was not a good way to get interesting quotes, but blending into the woodwork and observing the Champ was always fascinating. Ali could be widely alert, sharp and observant, he loved to saunter down the streets, to banter with real people. He melted away when he saw children. They adored him, he hugged them, he did some shadow-boxing and then he took sudden naps in the back seat of his chauffeured Lincoln sedan. In between he would recite some of his poems, cadenzas of witty words, self-praise or defaming his next opponent in the ring. One morning we drove over a bridge across the Chicago River, when I remarked that this was a great view of the skyline. Muhammad stopped the car and got out. “Could you please climb on that railing?” I asked. Ali jumped onto the banister, took his shirt off and shouted: “I’m the great- est! Want me to jump?” A split second later I had my picture of Ali flying – just this one click, one chance – and we drove on… – Thomas Hoepker

To purchase a copy of “Champ” contact Magnum Photos. For more information regarding the limited edition portfolio or individual prints contact richard@anastasia-photo.com.

Jonathan Alpeyrie covered the revolution in Libya this past April. Here are his words and photographs:

Remnant of a Russian made tank from Kaddafi’s army after it was hit by NATO strikes

Originally, my plan was never to hit Libya until later in the year, but when I spoke with my boss at Polaris in New York City while shooting a story in Tunisia on illegal immigration, I had to change my mind quickly. I bought plane tickets from Tunis, through Rome bound for Cairo. 24 hours later I was in Cairo looking to buy train tickets for Alexandria, the city, where I heard I could hitch a ride to the Libyan border. My plan was to push across the border into rebel territory and eventually reach Benghazi, the rebel army HQ. After 48 hours of hard driving, and many mishaps on the border, I finally reached Benghazi. I had no hotels or fixer lined up. I was lucky enough to meet some good locals who were willing to help me out.

After securing a hotel room and a car, I did my runs, each day to the front lines in Ajdabiya where most of the fighting was confined. I was warned on many occasions that these runs between Benghazi and Ajdabiya were dangerous as pro-Gaddafi forces were often on the move cutting through the only road connecting the two cities. Many journalists were suddenly caught behind enemy lines, in this ever-changing front lines, some were killed. Though these warnings were quite real, I still decided to do my job. For ten days I went back and forth documenting this war, which at the time, seemed to drag on. At this point in the war, there was some shelling of rebel forces causing steady casualties within their ranks. During my two weeks at the front, Chris Hondros and Tim Hetherington were killed in Misrata while on assignment. This was a shock for all of us journalists working in Libya at the time. We will miss them.

- Jonathan Alpeyrie

Rebel fighters are taking a rest inside their town of Ajdabiyah and inspecting their weapons after fighting off Kaddafi troops a few days before

A Rebel fighter is making home made grenades, similar to what local fishermen use to catch fish. The rebels use the same devise to destroy tanks inside urban areas

NATO hit the retreating Kaddafi army after it failed to take back Benghazi, destroying many tanks and pick-up trucks

Rebel troops took a direct hit from artillery resulting in many casualties

The front-line in Brega was abandoned so the rebel fighters could enter the city and defend it against potential attacks. This truck is moving closer to the town to take up defensive positions

Rebel anti aircraft unit is at the forefront of the front-lines, with Kaddafi forces only 20KM away

This rebel fighter is getting ready to use his RPG7

Rebel soldiers are taking cover while Kaddafi troops are trying to outflank their defensive position

Kaddafi’s Army attacked the oil refinery Al Srir killing four members of the rebellion. One of the four bodies is being buried into the ground, surrounded by hundreds of locals

This past March GMB Akash spoke at the TEDx conference in Portugal where he discussed his long term project, ‘Survivors’ offering an in-depth understanding of his process and motivation behind this body of work. These photographs are part of the GMB Akash exhibition now on view at Anastasia Photo.